--- title: "HIFIMAN Ananda Nano vs HIFIMAN Edition XS: Which to Buy?" description: "HIFIMAN Ananda Nano vs HIFIMAN Edition XS: open-back planar magnetic headphones compared. The Edition XS scores 8.7/10 to 8.6/10 and costs $230 less." url: "https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-edition-xs/" type: "article" section: "Headphones comparison" author: "Jakub Charkiewicz" published: "2024-06-26T00:00:00.000Z" modified: "2026-10-10T00:00:00.000Z" --- > Markdown rendering of https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-edition-xs/ > Canonical URL to cite: https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-edition-xs/ > Generated from the published page. Text and links only; see the HTML for layout. Breadcrumb: [Home](https://theaudiostuff.com/) > [Comparisons](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/) > HIFIMAN Ananda Nano vs HIFIMAN Edition XS # HIFIMAN Ananda Nano vs HIFIMAN Edition XS The HIFIMAN Edition XS scores 0.1 higher and costs $230 less than the Ananda Nano. Going by the two reviews, the Edition XS is stronger than the Ananda Nano on build and amp matching, and the Ananda Nano's review praises its detail and driver technology. By [Jakub Charkiewicz](https://theaudiostuff.com/authors/jakub-charkiewicz/) Published Jun 26, 2024 Updated Oct 10, 2026 On score and price **HIFIMAN Edition XS** Higher score and lower list price than the Ananda Nano. When to choose the Ananda Nano over the Edition XS ## Is the Ananda Nano worth $230 more than the Edition XS? {#cmp-qa-title} Not on score: the Ananda Nano scores 0.1 lower than the Edition XS. Going by the two reviews, what the Ananda Nano adds for the money is its detail and driver technology, and the Edition XS keeps the edge on build and amp matching. ![HIFIMAN Ananda Nano held by both cups, its large black hybrid pads facing inward](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/hifiman-ananda-nano-hybrid-ear-pad-1152w.avif) ## [HIFIMAN Ananda Nano](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-nano/) Score **8.6** -0.1 Verdict Highly Recommended List price **$499** +$230 [HIFIMAN Ananda Nano review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-nano/) ![HIFIMAN Edition XS side-on on a speckled stand, horizontal silver slats across the egg-shaped cup](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/hifiman-edition-xs-open-back-egg-grille-1152w.avif) Higher score ## [HIFIMAN Edition XS](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-edition-xs/) Score **8.7** +0.1 Verdict Highly Recommended List price **$269** -$230 [HIFIMAN Edition XS review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-edition-xs/) Keep the Ananda Nano - [Compare the Ananda Nano with HIFIMAN Sundara scored 9.0 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-sundara/) - [Compare the Ananda Nano with HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth scored 8.8 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-ananda-stealth/) - [Compare the Ananda Nano with HIFIMAN Arya Stealth scored 8.7 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-arya-stealth/) - [Compare the Ananda Nano with HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth scored 8.5 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-he1000-stealth/) Keep the Edition XS - [Compare the Edition XS with HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled scored 9.1 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-unveiled-vs-hifiman-edition-xs/) - [Compare the Edition XS with HIFIMAN Sundara scored 9.0 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-edition-xs-vs-hifiman-sundara/) - [Compare the Edition XS with OLLO Audio X1 scored 8.9 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-edition-xs-vs-ollo-audio-x1/) - [Compare the Edition XS with HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth scored 8.8 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-edition-xs/) - [Compare the Edition XS with Meze 105 Silva scored 8.7 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-edition-xs-vs-meze-105-silva/) - [Compare the Edition XS with HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth scored 8.5 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-edition-xs-vs-hifiman-he1000-stealth/) ## Which one to buy {#guidance-heading} On score and price the Edition XS is the better buy, and the cards below say who should still choose the Ananda Nano. **Who the Ananda Nano and the Edition XS are each for, side by side** | At a glance | HIFIMAN Ananda Nano | HIFIMAN Edition XS | | --- | --- | --- | | Score | 8.6/10, Highly Recommended | 8.7/10, Highly Recommended | | List price | $499 | $269 | | Lowest US price now | [$319 at Bloom Audio and 1 other store on Oct 16, 2026](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-nano/#rv-price-heading) | [$209 at Apos Audio and 2 other stores on Oct 16, 2026](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-edition-xs/#rv-price-heading) | | Better choice for | detail and driver technology | build and amp matching | ### HIFIMAN Ananda Nano Choose it instead if: - You want the Ananda Nano's detail and driver technology, which its review praises and the Edition XS review does not cover. [HIFIMAN Ananda Nano review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-nano/) ### HIFIMAN Edition XS Choose it if: - Build and amp matching are your priority, and the Edition XS does better there than the Ananda Nano. [HIFIMAN Edition XS review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-edition-xs/) ### What matters most to you? {#cmp-ax-title} **Rubric axes out of 10: Ananda Nano and Edition XS.** | What matters | HIFIMAN Ananda Nano | HIFIMAN Edition XS | | --- | --- | --- | | Sound | 8.8 | 8.3 | | Technical performance | 9.0 | 9.0 | | Build & comfort | 8.0 | 8.4 | | System fit | 8.5 | 8.9 | | Value | 8.4 | 9.1 | The widest gap is value: 8.4 for the Ananda Nano against 9.1 for the Edition XS. The Ananda Nano column is worked out from its review's 14 pros and cons and the Edition XS column from 11, and each adds back up to its overall score, 8.6 and 8.7. [How a score is built](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/#rubric) ## Where they differ {#diff-heading} Three topics the Ananda Nano and Edition XS reviews both discuss, the most decisive first. ### Build and design Here the [Edition XS review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-edition-xs/#roomy-cups-a-build-held-back-by-the-headband) is the more positive of the two and the [Ananda Nano review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-nano/) finds fault: - Edition XS, praised: "Unique, pretty earcup design" - Ananda Nano, criticized: "Hard plastic earcup material - not real black" ### Comfort and fit The [Ananda Nano review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-nano/#huge-breathable-pads-and-a-strong-clamp) and the [Edition XS review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-edition-xs/#roomy-cups-a-build-held-back-by-the-headband) are both mixed here, so neither has a clear edge: - Ananda Nano, criticized: "Significantly more clamp force than the Stealth" - Edition XS, criticized: "Solid headband (no suspension strap) creates a hotspot after a few hours" ### Amp and source matching Here the [Edition XS review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-edition-xs/#a-v-shaped-sound-that-runs-from-a-dongle) is the more positive of the two and the [Ananda Nano review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-nano/#easy-to-drive-but-it-wants-a-smooth-amp) has reservations: - Edition XS, praised: "Easy to drive - works fine from a dongle or cheap amp" - Ananda Nano, criticized: "Pairs poorly with bright amps like the Topping A90" Only the [Ananda Nano review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-nano/) praises its detail and driver technology; only the [Edition XS review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-edition-xs/) praises its value but faults its mids. ## What they have in common {#common-heading} The Ananda Nano and the Edition XS are both open-back planar magnetic headphones from HIFIMAN, and both have bass that reaches down to 20 Hz. The Ananda Nano and the Edition XS are both praised for their soundstage and bass, and both criticized for their treble. ## Sound signature, overlaid {#sig-heading} The Ananda Nano and the Edition XS both sound wide-staged. ## On paper {#specs-heading} The Ananda Nano ranks #11 and the Edition XS joint #8 of the 30 headphones reviewed here; on value the Ananda Nano rates Fair and the Edition XS Excellent. The Ananda Nano and Edition XS figures are the makers' own; [IEC 60268-7](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/86573) defines how they are measured. **Specifications for the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano compared with the HIFIMAN Edition XS** | Spec | HIFIMAN Ananda Nano | HIFIMAN Edition XS | | --- | --- | --- | | Sensitivity | 94 dB (reference not stated) | 92 dB/mW | | Frequency response | 5 Hz - 55 kHz | 8 Hz - 50 kHz | Only the [Ananda Nano review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-nano/#specs-heading) lists connector; only the [Edition XS review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-edition-xs/#specs-heading) lists impedance and weight. ## How these verdicts were reached {#deepdive-heading} The Edition XS review was published on Jun 1, 2023 and the Ananda Nano review on Jun 26, 2024, just over a year later, on one [reference chain](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/how-we-test/) and [rubric](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/#rubric). The Ananda Nano review never mentions the Edition XS, nor the Edition XS review the Ananda Nano: two separate sessions. The Ananda Nano and Edition XS reviews were both last checked on Oct 3, 2026. ## Sources {#cmp-sources-heading} Further reading for the Ananda Nano and the Edition XS: what both reviews say about [sub-bass](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/sub-bass/) and [tonality](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/frequency-response/). - [Sakamoto et al. (2014): Experimental study on hearing thresholds for low-frequency pure tones](https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ast/35/4/35_E1379/_article) - [Olive (2022): The perception and measurement of headphone sound quality: what do listeners prefer?](https://acousticstoday.org/he-perception-and-measurement-of-headphone-sound-quality-what-do-listeners-prefer-sean-e-olive/) ## Questions about the Ananda Nano and Edition XS {#compare-faq-heading} 1. ### What is the difference between the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano and the HIFIMAN Edition XS? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-nano-hifiman-edition-xs-faq-what-is-the-difference-between-the-hifiman-ananda} The HIFIMAN Edition XS scores 8.7 and the Ananda Nano 8.6. Going by the two reviews, the Edition XS is stronger than the Ananda Nano on build and amp matching, and the Ananda Nano's review praises its detail and driver technology. The Ananda Nano and the Edition XS have similar sound signatures on every axis. 2. ### Which should you buy, the HIFIMAN Ananda Nano or the HIFIMAN Edition XS? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-nano-hifiman-edition-xs-faq-which-should-you-buy-the-hifiman-ananda-nano} The Edition XS beats the Ananda Nano on both counts, scoring 8.7 to 8.6 and costing $230 less. Choose the Ananda Nano instead if its detail is worth $230 more to you. 3. ### Which is better built, the Ananda Nano or the Edition XS? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-nano-hifiman-edition-xs-faq-which-is-better-built-the-ananda-nano-or} The Edition XS: its review is positive about build, while the Ananda Nano review is critical. 4. ### Which is easier to drive, the Ananda Nano or the Edition XS? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-nano-hifiman-edition-xs-faq-which-is-easier-to-drive-the-ananda-nano} The Edition XS, narrowly: both reviews are mixed on amp matching, the Edition XS's less so than the Ananda Nano's. ## Where they rank {#ranks-heading} [Best Headphones Under $500](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-headphones-under-500/) Edition XS **#4** - Best Value Ananda Nano **#5** 8 picks [Best Planar Magnetic Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-planar-magnetic-headphones/) Edition XS **#7** - Best Budget Ananda Nano **#8** 10 picks [Best Open-Back Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-open-back-headphones/) Edition XS **#9** - Best Budget Ananda Nano **#10** 14 picks ## Tools for this decision {#compare-tools-heading} Calculator ### [Headphone Power Calculator](https://theaudiostuff.com/tools/headphone-power-calculator/) Listening test ### [Sound Signature Quiz](https://theaudiostuff.com/tools/sound-signature-finder/) ## Related comparisons {#related-heading} Nearby headphone matchups without the Ananda Nano or the Edition XS. [HIFIMAN Arya Organic 9.2 HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-organic-vs-hifiman-he1000se/) [HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1 HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-unveiled-vs-hifiman-he1000se/) [HIFIMAN Arya Organic 9.2 HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-organic-vs-hifiman-arya-unveiled/) [HIFIMAN Arya Organic 9.2 HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-organic-vs-hifiman-arya-stealth/) [HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth 8.8 HIFIMAN Sundara 9.0](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-sundara/) [HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7 HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-stealth-vs-hifiman-arya-unveiled/) [All headphone matchups](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/#cat-headphones) [All headphone reviews](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/headphones/)